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Original poster

SAD/ feeling low in winter support thread

886 replies

LadyCatStark · 15/09/2021 10:16

Hi all, after reading some unhelpful comments on another thread where someone is struggling, I wondered if anyone would like to join me in a SAD support thread for anyone who is feeling low now that winter is coming, whether you have a SAD diagnosis or not.

Disclaimer: I know anyone can post anything they like on a public forum but please, out of respect for those of us who are really struggling, don’t come on this thread to tell us how much you love winter, hygge, snuggling, hot chocolate or twinkly lights or tell us that we’ll feel better if only we change our mindset.

Please feel free to share your feelings, good or bad, tell us about your day or share tips for things that help (or don’t). Hopefully we can all help each other get through this winter!

OP posts:
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ShaneTheThird · 02/11/2021 18:28

Thank you everyone. I've had 2 hours sleep in two days and now I'm all alone I want to cry. He is in a bad way and has to remain in critical care I don't know how long for. I love him so much even though he does my head in half the time lol. I had a migraine earlier so thankfully that's eased a bit.

How has everyone's day been?

ShaneTheThird · 02/11/2021 18:29

@Ulysses I hope DH is ok now!

stilldumdedumming · 02/11/2021 21:39

Oh @ShaneTheThird this brings back memories!

This is what I remember. Critical care usually means 1:1 care. I dont know if you are able to see him there? It is incredible- the nurse never stops. Continuously taking readings, sorting stuff out. Any sign of a problem they will know very quickly and will act. They are also very used to tired and worried relatives and they should be looking after you.

The other thing I remember is that I couldn't think about the future. It was a question of getting through one hour at a time.

Also Kalms work

Original poster
LadyCatStark · 02/11/2021 21:55

Thinking of you and your DH @ShaneTheThird x x

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Zoear · 02/11/2021 22:13

I feel exactly the same in winter months sad no energy nothing to look forward to for months can not be doing with it especially with added problems am having really hard time it just never seem to end everything is a big effort.I sit with sac lamp on usually perks my mood up what do you do to relieve the sadness.

PinkStink · 02/11/2021 22:17

In my running magazine this month there is a part about food for SAD. I don't think it's any surprise but sardines, herring, egg and mushrooms all get a mention.

I eat them all and will continue to do so!

Mrsbrownsbuoys · 03/11/2021 04:11

I've had depression for a long time, but notice more and more that it's worse in winter. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced SAD lamp? Or is possible to get it on prescription? TIA

Original poster
LadyCatStark · 03/11/2021 08:35

@Mrsbrownsbuoys mine is just a cheap one from Amazon. It does seem to help though.

OP posts:
stilldumdedumming · 03/11/2021 08:50

@PinkStink

In my running magazine this month there is a part about food for SAD. I don't think it's any surprise but sardines, herring, egg and mushrooms all get a mention.

I eat them all and will continue to do so!

Was just considering a toasted mushroom sandwich for brunch today!
ShaneTheThird · 03/11/2021 09:28

That's great about the food and what good timing as me and dp have to change our diet now so I have to cook fresh healthy food every day so anything good for hearts and SAD will be a winner.

Dp has to have another op tomorrow with lazers! Very high tech. Then he needs antidepressants and so many meds for at least a year. They don't understand why a man his age has this and think it may be heart disease. He was honest for the first time today about his problems with alcohol and they said it needs to end asap. But I'm feeling more hopeful today that he will survive this better. Poor man is in agony it's incredible what modern medicine is capable of.

Ulysses · 03/11/2021 14:42

That sounds positive news Shane if he's getting treatment and he recognises his own issues. Looks like DH has Covid. He has had a positive LFT and is waiting on PCR results. I've booked myself and DDs in for tonight. He's had his booster jab as well so hopefully it will do its thing, but he's feeling lousy with it and is in bed.

I've got a negative LFT so far so hoping I get a negative PCR too. Ironically it's nice and sunny here after weeks of relentless grey and rain.

PinkStink · 03/11/2021 14:57

I’m trying to focus REALLY hard on what I’m eating. Including fermented foods. I want to cling to how I’m feeling now - it’s good.

Original poster
LadyCatStark · 03/11/2021 21:15

@PinkStink I don’t seem to be able to stop eating this week 🙈.

OP posts:
ShaneTheThird · 03/11/2021 21:24

So dp has had a heart attack we don't know why. I'm so lonely and devestated for him. I'm on the house alone just praying he will be ok.

Mrsbrownsbuoys · 03/11/2021 22:44

@PinkStink

I’m trying to focus REALLY hard on what I’m eating. Including fermented foods. I want to cling to how I’m feeling now - it’s good.
What fermented foods do you eat? My friend makes kombucha and was going to give me a scoby (sp?) but haven't seen her for a while. I've seen them available online but they're expensive. I've seen a lot of conflicting advice online regarding how to make it. Any suggestions?
Mrsbrownsbuoys · 03/11/2021 22:45

@ShaneTheThird so sorry to hear that. Hope the hospital are looking after him and he makes a full recovery.

PinkStink · 03/11/2021 22:59

@Mrsbrownsbuoys I am not an expert AT ALL. I have a hideous relationship with food.

I have recently enjoyed kimchi, pickled cucumber and sauerkraut.

I have sauerkraut as a side with most lunches. I really like it and it sort of suits most foods?

Today was leftover salmon and rice with sauerkraut, fresh tomatoes and cucumber.

As I say - I read that fermented food are good for you, I tried them and like them so I’ll stick with it Smile

PinkStink · 03/11/2021 23:00

@ShaneTheThird thinking of you. Flowers

PinkStink · 03/11/2021 23:01

Sorry just to say I haven’t made any of the fermented stuff. It’s from the supermarket in a jar and stays in the fridge Blush

Mrsbrownsbuoys · 04/11/2021 00:00

@PinkStink

Sorry just to say I haven’t made any of the fermented stuff. It’s from the supermarket in a jar and stays in the fridge Blush
Thanks, I'll have a look for some.
stilldumdedumming · 04/11/2021 06:44

@ShaneTheThird I have just seen your news. It's such a rollercoaster. And to be alone with it is very tough. Have they said whether this will set back his operation and recovery. This is going to be a long road isn't it.

Was very lonely when dp was in a coma. We used to wake in the night to chat. I started to write to him every day in a journal. It helped a bit.

Original poster
LadyCatStark · 04/11/2021 07:05

@ShaneTheThird has he had a heart attack since being admitted or was that the cause of him going in initially? Hoping it’s the latter and he’s getting the treatment that he needs and thinking of you.

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Ulysses · 04/11/2021 15:02

I hope you and your OH have had a better day today and that you've managed to get some sleep @ShaneTheThird. Things can feel really bleak when you are running on empty.

Half our house has Covid, the other half have had negative PCRs, DD16 and myself. I'm going to get going out for a walk later. Washing machine is playing up so not a great time for that to be going awry. DH has been diagnosed with a small area of skin cancer and had an appointment to get removed early December and it's been pushed back another week. The doctor thinks it's an easy fix so we weren't too worried but I am if it keeps on getting pushed back. As a transplant patient he's dealt with well in the NHS so I hope it's not too far away.

ShaneTheThird · 05/11/2021 10:14

Thanks everyone. Dp has heart disease and has had his operations. He's waiting for x-rays and he might be home today!

Hope everyone is doing ok. It's absolutely freezing here. I've been sat with my dressing gown and a blanket over my jumper as I don't want to use the heating until dp is home. (We pay by meter and it's expensive).

stilldumdedumming · 05/11/2021 10:28

Blimey @ShaneTheThird that feels quick. But recovering in hospital is so difficult. Best at home really. So rest rest rest for you both. Do you have family or friends. Ask for help if you can. I never expected to be so grateful for a home cooked meal but my friends were amazing (and great cooks).

I am very bad at understanding the compass points and the suns trajectory. I don't know why. However in a bid to notice more of the light, I have realised that my home office faces south. I have four windows and the sun travels east to west across them. So even though I am desk bound I am really trying to make the most of this. I have already got some plants which do make me happy and I am going to move the office around to make the most of it. This time of day I can have the window open and the sun on my face.

I also got a cheap thick rug off fb marketplace and I've put it under my desk. At least my feet are cosy. Eva recommend those giant grated slippers- but mine recently broke Sad